Otis Khan: From setbacks to stardom in Pakistan’s historic triumph

For Otis Khan, the road to international success with Pakistan has been anything but straightforward.

The former Manchester United academy player has finally had his moment of triumph, being named Player of the Tournament at the 2026 Diamond Jubilee Cup in the Maldives — a competition Pakistan went on to win, ending a 74-year wait for an international football trophy.

The award was the culmination of years of setbacks, heartbreak and perseverance.

Throughout the tournament, Khan was instrumental to Pakistan's success. While he did not get on the scoresheet, his influence was undeniable. He constantly created opportunities in the final third, linked play between midfield and attack, and provided the creativity that helped drive Pakistan to the title.

But the path to this moment was far from easy.

Eligible to represent Pakistan through his grandfather, who was born in the country, Khan first received a call-up in January 2015 for a friendly against Afghanistan. It should have been the beginning of his international career. Instead, visa complications prevented him from joining the squad, forcing him to watch from afar as his dream of representing Pakistan was put on hold before it had even begun.

The wait would last eight years.

In 2023, Khan finally made his long-awaited debut for Pakistan at the Mauritius Four Nations Cup, starting against the hosts in the opening match. After years of uncertainty, he had finally earned the opportunity to wear the national colours.

Yet more frustration awaited.

Later that year, just days before Pakistan's historic FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cambodia, FIFA ruled Khan ineligible despite him holding a Pakistani passport. The decision left him unable to feature in either leg of the tie.

As Pakistan celebrated a famous victory — their first-ever win in a FIFA World Cup qualifier — Khan could only watch from the sidelines. "I am angry and disappointed," he said afterwards, having been denied the chance to be part of one of the most important moments in Pakistan football history.

The setbacks did not end there. Injuries disrupted his progress and criticism often followed his performances.

Then came another painful chapter in 2025.Against Afghanistan in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Khan missed a crucial penalty that would have secured victory for Pakistan. Instead, the match ended in a draw. The criticism was immediate, but Khan refused to let the moment define him.

He kept working. He kept believing.

And in 2026, everything finally came together.

At the Diamond Jubilee Cup in the Maldives, Khan delivered the finest performances of his international career. His creativity and vision were central to Pakistan's success as the team marched to its first international football trophy in 74 years.

When the final whistle blew on Pakistan's triumph, Khan stood at the heart of it all — not as someone reaching the end of a journey, but as a player who had finally arrived on the big stage he always chased.

Eleven years after his first call-up, after visa setbacks, FIFA rulings, injuries and heartbreak, he was named Player of the Tournament.

And yet, this feels less like a conclusion and more like a turning point. At 30, Khan still has years ahead in international football — and a growing role in a Pakistan side now stepping into a new era.

Sometimes, the longest journeys don’t end at the summit. They simply begin again from it.